🌤 Weather at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19–68 °F | 58–82 °F | 24–73 °F | 4–26 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Waubay Natl Wild Life, 6 mi away, elevation 1,827 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 SD’s Clearest Lake — 1,004-acre glacial lake with the clearest water in South Dakota — visibility up to 25 feet in this pristine spring-fed gem
Pickerel Lake Recreation Area centers on a stunning 1,004-acre glacial lake in Day County — the clearest lake in South Dakota with visibility up to 25 feet! The lake’s exceptional clarity comes from its spring-fed source and sandy bottom — unusual in the prairie pothole region where most lakes are turbid. Pickerel Lake is one of the deepest glacial lakes in eastern South Dakota (60+ feet deep) and supports excellent walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch fishing. The surrounding Coteau des Prairies (Prairie Hills) is a massive glacial moraine stretching 200 miles.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Day County, SD |
| Entry Fee | SD Park Entrance License required |
| Lake | 1,004 acres — SD’s CLEAREST! |
| Clarity | 25-foot visibility! |
| Depth | 60+ feet! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Pickerel Lake so clear?
Spring-fed water, a sandy bottom, and limited agricultural runoff combine to give Pickerel Lake exceptional clarity — unusual in the prairie pothole region. Most eastern SD lakes are shallow and turbid; Pickerel’s depth (60+ feet) and spring sources keep the water remarkably clear.
About Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake Recreation Area in Day County provides recreation on one of eastern South Dakota’s glacial lakes — the prairie pothole region where thousands of small lakes dot the landscape. The lake is named for chain pickerel (though northern pike are the local equivalent). The Coteau des Prairies glacial plateau creates this lake-rich landscape.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye, northern pike, and perch, camping, boating, swimming at the beach, and birdwatching in the prairie pothole region — one of North America’s most important waterfowl breeding areas.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Fort Sisseton Historic State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Roy Lake State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for South Dakota state parks online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com.
💎 Visit Pickerel Lake Recreation Area
1,004 acres — SD’s clearest lake! 25-foot visibility, 60ft deep!
Wildlife & Nature
Pickerel Lake RA — on Pickerel Lake — one of the deepest natural lakes in South Dakota. The area’s glacial lake, prairie, and hardwood groves support white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and loons. Walleye and perch fill the clear lake.
Nearby Attractions
Waubay — nearby. Day County — surrounding. Waubay NWR — nearby.
⛺ Camping at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 65 sites — 65 campsites across 2 campgrounds (East and West): electrical sites $30/night. Flush toilets, showers, drinking water (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 7 camping cabins at $60/night: heat, A/C, electricity, bunk bed plus double bed, table and benches, fire grate, picnic table, porch; no restroom, running water, linens or kitchen. 1 modern cabin at $150/night. |
| Pets | Statewide SD GFP rule applies: April 1-Sept. 30 pets must be under immediate control on a leash no longer than 10 ft; Oct. 1-March 31 leash not mandatory but pet must be under immediate control. Pets (except service animals) prohibited on swimming beaches and in park buildings. |
| Reservations | Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. Phone reservations carry a $6 non-refundable fee; nonresident sites carry an additional $10 non-refundable fee. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year. |
| Special sites | Boat ramps, fishing piers, fish cleaning stations. ADA-accessible features throughout. Pickerel Lake is a natural, spring-fed lake, one of the deepest in the state. |
| Season notes | Open year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed; vault toilets remain open year-round. |
Camping questions about Pickerel Lake Recreation Area
Can you camp at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area?
Yes. Pickerel Lake Recreation Area has 65 campsites. 65 campsites across 2 campgrounds (East and West): electrical sites $30/night. Flush toilets, showers, drinking water (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round.
How do you reserve a campsite at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area?
Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. Phone reservations carry a $6 non-refundable fee; nonresident sites carry an additional $10 non-refundable fee. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year.
Are there cabins at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area?
7 camping cabins at $60/night: heat, A/C, electricity, bunk bed plus double bed, table and benches, fire grate, picnic table, porch; no restroom, running water, linens or kitchen. 1 modern cabin at $150/night.
Are pets allowed at the Pickerel Lake Recreation Area campground?
Statewide SD GFP rule applies: April 1-Sept. 30 pets must be under immediate control on a leash no longer than 10 ft; Oct. 1-March 31 leash not mandatory but pet must be under immediate control. Pets (except service animals) prohibited on swimming beaches and in park buildings.
Source: gfp.sd.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including campgrounds and most trails, but not in park buildings or on designated swim beaches.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- April 1 - September 30: leash no longer than 10 ft required at all times; October 1 - March 31: leash optional but pets must be under immediate control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (except service animals) are not allowed on designated swimming beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs and cats allowed in pet-designated lodges, cabins and suites (roughly 40 parks/recreation areas have designated pet-friendly cabins) with payment of a pet accommodation fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or camping pet fee; a pet accommodation fee is charged for pet-designated lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in all park buildings and on the Summit Trail at Bear Butte State Park
Are dogs allowed at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area?
Pets are allowed in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including campgrounds and most trails, but not in park buildings or on designated swim beaches. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via gfp.sd.gov. More: South Dakota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Pickerel Lake Recreation Area
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